ID-221: Fescue Toxicosis in Cattle

Megan Romano, Michelle Arnold, Ray Smith, Krista Lea | Feb. 13, 2025 (Minor Revision)

Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh., previously known scientifically as Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] is a cool-season, perennial grass (Figure 1). The Continental type, most notably the Kentucky-31 variety, is frequently infected with an endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala). An endophyte is a fungus that grows inside the grass, specifically within the intercellular spaces of the leaf sheaths, stems, and seeds, and is invisible to the naked eye. The plant and fungus have a mutually beneficial relationship, wherein the plant provides the fungus access to its nutrients and a means of asexual reproduction through infected seeds. In turn, the fungus produces compounds called ergopeptine alkaloids that increase the plant’s vigor by making the plant more pest- and drought-resistant and more tolerant of other adverse soil and environmental conditions. Although advantageous to the plant, ergopeptine alkaloids adversely affect the health and productivity of grazing livestock. Ergovaline is the most abundant (more than 90 percent) and most toxic ergopeptine alkaloid in endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue. The highest alkaloid concentrations are found within the seedheads and in the bottom few inches of the plant.

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ID-163: Agricultural Lime Recommendations Based on Lime Quality

David Ditsch, Josh McGrath, Lloyd Murdock, Edwin Ritchey, Frank Sikora | Feb. 5, 2025 (Revised)

Soil acidity is one of the most important soil factors affecting crop growth and ultimately, yield and profitability. It is determined by measuring the soil pH, which is a measure of the amount of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. As soil acidity increases, the soil pH decreases. Soils tend to be naturally acidic in areas where rainfall is sufficient to cause substantial leaching of basic ions (such as calcium and magnesium), which are replaced by hydrogen ions. Most soils in Kentucky are naturally acidic because of our abundant rainfall.

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ID-160: Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide, 2025-2026

Andy Bailey, Bob Pearce, Travis Legleiter, Edwin Ritchey, Will Snell, Ric Bessin, Wayne Sanderson, Ann Fisher | Jan. 27, 2025 (Major Revision)

Labor challenges and increasing production costs have continued to reduce profit margins for all tobacco growers. According to the 2022 Ag Census results, the total number of tobacco farms in the U.S. dropped to 2987. This was 3250 fewer tobacco farms than reported in the 2017 Ag Census. Growers choosing to remain in tobacco production must continue to take steps to be efficient while maintaining a high-level of cured leaf quality and productivity. The recommendations described in this guide represent the best-known practices for producing high yields and good quality burley and dark tobacco.

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ID-93: Midwest Tree Fruit Pest Management Handbook

Ric Bessin, Gerald Brown, John Strang | Oct. 18, 2024 (Minor Revision)

This tree fruit production guide is presented in an ongoing attempt to better serve midwestern fruit growers. Financial constraints make publication of fruit production circulars by each of the North Central states increasingly difficult. By pooling the resources and expertise of the various states, Extension specialists believe that this publication will be of better quality, with information adaptable over a wider range of climates, soil conditions, and orchard management schemes. This cooperation enables the authors to include more information at greater depth that should be of value to you, the grower.

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ID-128: Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky

Ric Bessin, Rick Durham, Brad Lee, Rachel Rudolph, Mark Williams, Shawn Wright | Jul. 22, 2024 (Minor Revision)

A well-planned and properly kept garden should produce 600 to 700 pounds of produce per 1,000 square feet and may include many different crops. Consult "Vegetable Cultivars for Kentucky Gardens" (ID-133) for the latest recommendations on home vegetable varieties.

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ID-242: Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide

Carmen Agouridis, Amanda Gumbert, Chris Sass | Jul. 2, 2024 (Minor Revision)

Many urban homeowners are not sure what to do about the stream in their backyard. Who owns it? How can I take care of it? What plants are good for my streambanks? These common questions lead to some confusing answers. This publication is designed to help the homeowner of a backyard stream appreciate this resource, protect personal property, and improve water quality and habitat.

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ID-279: Understanding and Protecting Kentucky Wetlands

Amanda Gumbert, Tiffany Messer, Emily Nottingham | Jun. 10, 2024 (New)

Wetlands are areas where water either covers the soil or soil is saturated permanently or seasonally. Wetlands have soils that have developed anaerobic (lacking oxygen) conditions in the upper part of the soil layer, known as hydric soils. Plant species that have adapted to survive in these conditions are known as hydrophytes. Since water is essential for almost everything on earth, wetlands are one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on the planet and are home to plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish that are uncommon in other ecosystems.

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ID-277: The Great Debate of Annual vs. Perennial Forages

Kenny Burdine, Kelly Mercier, Ray Smith | Mar. 13, 2024 (New)

The organic dairy sector in Kentucky and Tennessee contributed $9.3 million in organic product sales in 2019 (USDA-NASS, 2020), with organic milk sales in Kentucky alone rising 61% from 2017 to 2019 (USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office, 2020). Organic dairies rely more heavily on pastures as a significant source of dry matter intake compared to most conventional dairies.

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ID-36: Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers, 2024-25

Ric Bessin, Nicole Gauthier, Kimberly Leonberger, Misbah Munir, Rachel Rudolph, Shawn Wright | Jan. 29, 2024 (Major Revision)

Successful vegetable production generally requires the grower to make daily decisions regarding pest management, irrigation, and cultural practices. Would-be growers unwilling to make serious investments of time (and money) should not attempt to expand beyond a space at the farmers' market. It is important for vegetable growers to have a market outlet for their product before they choose to start production.

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ID-201: Your Yard and Water Quality: Kentucky Master Gardener Manual Chapter 12

Rick Durham, Brad Lee | Jan. 16, 2024 (Major Revision)

We generally view gardening as a wholesome activity that enhances our environment. But pesticides, fertilizers, and erosion from gardens and landscapes can contaminate lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, and groundwater. Since the quality of our water resources affects our quality of life, we must learn how gardening practices can contribute to water contamination and how to reduce the threat to
water quality.